NeuroDiverse Inclusive Monthly - April 2025
About NeuroDiverse Inclusive Solutions
NeuroDiverse Inclusive Solutions (NDIS) is dedicated to improving workplace inclusion and career support for neurodivergent individuals. As we continue in our pre-launch phase, we have been developing structured services that focus on professional coaching, workplace training, and neurodiversity advocacy. Our goal is to bridge the gap between businesses and neurodivergent professionals by providing practical solutions, tailored coaching, and structured training.
Over the past several months, we have built a comprehensive service model, including one-on-one coaching, corporate consulting, and professional development programs. We have also launched our NDIS Membership, providing exclusive access to expert-led training, curated resources, and community networking. As we move closer to our official launch in January 2026, we are working on expanding partnerships, growing our advocacy efforts, and refining our service offerings to ensure we provide the most effective support possible.
PDA & The Drive for Autonomy: A Live Webinar (Free)
Join us on Friday, April 25th, for a live session discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and how it has evolved from being seen as demand avoidance to a drive for autonomy. This session will explore practical strategies for navigating PDA in personal and professional settings.
Understanding the PDA Profile
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) has long been described as a profile of autism characterized by an extreme need to avoid everyday demands. However, recent perspectives are shifting to recognize that what appears as demand avoidance is actually a deep drive for autonomy. This shift changes how we approach support, self-advocacy, and inclusion for those with PDA.
Understanding PDA through the lens of autonomy allows for more effective strategies that reduce stress and build trust. Whether you are autistic, an employer, a parent, or an ally, learning about these shifts can improve communication, create better environments, and foster positive relationships.
Navigating Autonomy
For autistic individuals with a PDA profile, the need for autonomy is not simply a preference—it is an essential aspect of emotional regulation and well-being. When faced with direct demands, an individual with PDA may experience an involuntary stress response, making it difficult to comply, even with tasks they may want to do. This is often misinterpreted as defiance or oppositional behavior, leading to frustration for both the individual and those around them.
To navigate this challenge, it is critical to recognize the importance of autonomy and control in daily life. Strategies such as providing choices, reframing expectations, and using indirect language can significantly reduce stress. Autistic individuals who identify with the PDA profile can also benefit from self-advocacy techniques, such as setting clear boundaries, developing personalized coping mechanisms, and communicating their needs in a way that fosters collaboration rather than conflict.
What Employers, Parents, and Allies Can Do
For those who work with or support individuals with PDA, it is essential to shift the mindset from demand-driven interactions to a collaborative and flexible approach. Many traditional strategies that rely on firm expectations, discipline, or rigid compliance models do not work for individuals with PDA, often leading to increased stress and shutdowns.
Instead, successful support strategies focus on reducing the pressure of demands while maintaining a sense of autonomy. This can include offering structured choices instead of direct instructions, using indirect communication methods, and recognizing when stress levels are rising. Creating demand-free environments, whether in the workplace, school, or home, allows for improved engagement, increased cooperation, and a greater sense of trust between the individual and their support system.
Engage with Us
What are your experiences with autonomy in the workplace or at home? How can we better support those with a PDA profile? We’d love to hear from you!
About the Founder
Dan Dickinson Sr. is the Founder & Program Director of NeuroDiverse Inclusive Solutions. As an autistic professional, he brings firsthand experience navigating the workforce, advocating for neurodivergent inclusion, and developing coaching strategies to bridge the gap between businesses and neurodivergent employees.
With a passion for fostering inclusive workplaces, Dan has dedicated his career to creating practical solutions that empower neurodivergent individuals. His approach integrates professional coaching, structured training, and advocacy to drive meaningful change in the workplace.
As NDIS moves toward its official launch in January 2026, Dan continues to lead efforts in business consulting, career coaching, and neurodiversity education to ensure that all professionals—neurodivergent and neurotypical—can thrive in an inclusive work environment.
